Hamilton issues huge statement of intent for 2022

Lewis Hamilton was in a determined and defiant mood after speaking to the press for the first since the Abu Dhabi title finale.

Bar one short post-race interview at the Yas Marina circuit, Hamilton had remained completely silent on the hugely controversial circumstances which led to him not being a crowned an eight-time World Champion, the Drivers’ World Championship instead going the way of Max Verstappen on the very last lap.

That was until the launch day of the Mercedes W13 on Friday, February 18 when a recharged and motivated Hamilton shared his thought processes from the last couple of months in the wake of the truly astonishing events at Abu Dhabi.

Many presumed and feared that Hamilton’s prolonged silence was a clear indication that he was looking to call time on his legendary career, but he is adamant in not letting the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix define his Formula 1 legacy – even if he did concede that he did “lose a bit of faith” in the system.

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He's back #F1

@MercedesAMGF1 pic.twitter.com/uadfbMewem

— PlanetF1 (@Planet_F1) February 18, 2022

“If you think that what you saw at the end of last year was my best, wait until you see this year,” Hamilton told reporters.

“Of course at the end of seasons you think and the question is whether you’re willing to commit the time the effort that it takes to